How Can I Find A Glaucoma Specialist?

All glaucoma specialists are ophthalmologists, but not all ophthalmologists are glaucoma specialists. A general ophthalmologist treats many eye conditions, including early glaucoma, but a glaucoma specialist is more experienced in handling advanced or complex glaucoma cases, and often will see only people who have glaucoma.

Glaucoma specialists have completed an extra year of training, called a fellowship, focused entirely on glaucoma diagnosis, management, and surgery. They are qualified in advanced surgical techniques to treat all types of glaucoma and have the most up-to-date information on new medical and surgical treatments. 

Routine comprehensive eye exams with a general ophthalmologist are recommended for adults to facilitate early detection of ocular diseases, including glaucoma, which is asymptomatic early in its course. At your general ophthalmology appointment, you can ask if you need to see a glaucoma specialist.

Reasons to seek out care with a glaucoma specialist may include having a known family history of glaucoma, or having a known personal diagnosis of glaucoma with progressing vision loss or other symptoms despite your current management. The glaucoma specialist might assume care of your glaucoma, or they might refer you back for routine follow-up with your general ophthalmologist if your glaucoma is mild or well managed already.  

You may ask your general ophthalmologist, optometrist or primary care physician for a referral. Community screening sessions may also make referrals. However, if you would like to find a glaucoma specialist on your own, most large hospitals and academic institutions have a directory of glaucoma specialists that you can search, or an internet search may highlight providers in your area.

The Glaucoma Research Foundation has a website, www.glaucoma.org, that provides guidance and information on many glaucoma-related topics. One helpful link on that website is “Find an Eye Doctor.” Professional organizations such as the American Glaucoma Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, or your state Medical Association are also good resources. You may also contact your medical insurance plan for help in locating a glaucoma specialist.

Article by Mary Qiu, MD, Samantha Goldburg, MD, and Daniel S. Petkovsek, MD. Dr. Goldburg is a glaucoma fellow at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Petkovsek is a glaucoma specialist at the at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic.

Posted on August 6, 2025.